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Definition of dilate

dilate

/daɪˈleɪt/
di · late
Adjective:dilatable
•
Past Simple:dilated
•
Past Participle:dilated
•
Present Participle:dilating
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dilate Lexical Profile

dilate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make or become wider, larger, or more open (especially of a bodily opening, pupil, or blood vessel).

Example

"The optometrist used eye drops to dilate the patient's pupils before examining the retina."

2

To speak or write at length on a particular subject.

Example

"During the lecture, the historian chose to dilate upon the economic causes of the treaty."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for dilate

• Nearby Words

dike
dikhow
dilapidated
dilate
dilation
dildo
dilemma

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English dilaten, borrowed from Old French dilater and Latin dilatare ('to spread out, extend'), derived from dis- ('apart') and latus ('carried, borne'), the past participle of ferre ('to bear, carry').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dilate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dilate
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